Understanding New York State Car Accidents

Transcription

1 Understanding New York State Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 1

2 ABOUT THIS BOOK This book is a consumer guide for people who have been injured in a car accident because of another person s negligence or for people who want information regarding the subject. This book was not written to provide legal advice because each and every case has its own unique set of facts. Knowledge is power. The purpose of this book is to educate the reader about New York Car Accident Law. This book will help you understand insurance in general, how to protect yourself from liability if you hurt another person, or receive compensation if you are injured by another person. You will also learn to be cautious of insurance adjusters and the five ways that you can mess up a New York accident case. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, you will learn how to get your medical bills and lost wages paid, as well as your vehicle repaired. Finally, you will learn how to select an attorney to represent you in your accident case. The information contained within this book is not to be considered legal advice for your specific injury case. This book is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice of a licensed attorney. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

3 1 My car was damaged in an accident how do I get it fixed? In legal terms this is called a property damage claim. Generally, personal injury attorneys do not handle property damage claims. In our of6ice, as a courtesy to our clients, we will assist them with their property damage claim. Before a decision can be made as to who is responsible for getting the car 5ixed, the parties have to sort out who was at fault for the accident. If you are the at- fault driver, you only have one way available to get your car 0ixed, and that is through your own insurance company, if you purchased collision insurance. If you are not responsible for the accident, you may have two options available to get your car repaired. First, review your insurance policy and see if you purchased collision insurance. If collision insurance was purchased, you can get the car 7ixed through your own insurance company. Most collision policies have a deductible that can usually range from $ to $1, Your insurance company will pay the agreed upon estimate price minus the deductible, which you will have to pay to the body shop. Bene$its of going through your own collision insurance: Many times it is quicker because the other driver s insurance company will have to investigate the claim before it accepts liability and agrees to repair your car. Your insurance company has a duty to treat you more fairly than the other driver s insurance company. If you go through your insurance company, your rates will not go up if the accident was not your fault. If your property damage is more than $10,000 and other driver only has the New York State minimum of $10,000 in property damage insurance. FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 3

4 The Cons of going through your own collision insurance: You have to pay your deductible to the body shop before you will be able to pick up your vehicle. So you may have to reach into your pocket for $ or $1, Your insurance company will seek repayment from the other driver s insurance company, which will include your deductible. When your insurance company receives payment, it will forward you your deductible. However, it may take three to six months to get your deductible returned. The other option available to you is waiting and going through the other driver s insurance company. In New York, all drivers are required to purchase a minimum of $10, of property damage insurance. If you choose to go through the other driver s insurance company, you will 7irst have to wait for a claim to be set up and an insurance adjuster to contact you. Some insurance companies will require you to bring your vehicle to their estimating facility. Other insurance companies have property damage appraisers who will come to your home or storage facility and estimate the vehicle. Still others will ask you to take your vehicle to one of their preferred shops for the estimate. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding New York property damage claims: How will the insurance company decide whether to repair or total my vehicle? The insurance company will total your vehicle if your frame or chassis is bent so much that it cannot be easily repaired or if it costs too much to repair. How does the insurance company determine how much my vehicle is worth? The standard is the fair market value of the vehicle. Most insurance companies use auto evaluation software programs. If you have concerns that the insurance company is not acting fairly regarding your vehicle, you can do your own market research by checking out Kelley Blue Book, Black Book, NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association), Edmunds or checking out your local newspaper advertisements. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

5 Do I have to go the repair shop that the insurance company recommends? You do not have to go to the repair shop that the insurance company recommends; however, if it is a private preferred shop, you may have an easier time getting additional items,ixed that were not on the original estimate because the insurance company has a working relationship with the body shop. Also, please be aware that some auto body shops are actually owned by insurance companies. We think this may be considered a con5lict of interest on the part of the company paying for repairs. For instance, Sterling AutoBody is a subsidiary corporation of Allstate. Just because the insurance company owns the body shop doesn t mean that you are not going to get a fair deal. Sometimes the work performed at these body shops is inferior to individually owned shops. If my car is totaled or getting repaired, will the insurance company provide a rental car? Yes. If your car is totaled the insurance company will generally allow you to rent a car for about one month so you can purchase another vehicle. The insurance company will also allow you to rent a car for a reasonable amount of time that your car is in the body shop. The insurance company will allow a certain amount of money for each day of rental coverage. So, do not plan on a luxury car, SUV or van unless you opt to pay the difference in rental price. 2 Do I have a claim if I ve been injured in an accident? A personal or bodily injury claim addresses injury to the person. The law requires people to use due care in their daily activities. If you have been injured because of another person s carelessness it is called negligence. A personal injury case can arise in many ways: (1) car or truck accident; (2) motorcycle or bicycle accident; or (3) boating accident. A wrongful death case happens when a person dies because of an accident. FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 5

6 Under the law, all people, businesses and the government are required to act reasonably, and if they are careless, the law holds them responsible for any injuries they may have caused. This concept is called negligence. The first step to receiving any compensation for an injury is proving that the other party was negligent and their negligence caused your injury. This concept in legalese is called proving liability. As an example, if you are stopped at a traffic light on Highway 13 (Elmira Road) and you are rearended by a car behind you that didn t stop because the driver was on his cell phone, liability is clear. You should have no problem proving that the other person was responsible for the accident. Proving liability on the other hand can become very complex and heated when there are no witnesses to a car accident. For instance, there could be a collision going through the intersection at Highway 13 and Buffalo Street. The crash occurred right in the middle of the intersection and both drivers said they had the green light. In this case, it may be much more difficult to prove liability even though a person was hurt. If an injured person is able to prove liability, they may be entitled under the law to receive compensation for their injuries. Compensation may include the following: Hospital and medical bills Lost wages or loss of the ability to earn money in the future Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life Personal injury lawyers help injured people receive fair and just compensation. Personal injury lawyers know how to gather evidence to support a claim, talk with insurance adjusters, and counsel their clients on how to avoid the common mistakes that people make when pursuing a personal injury claim. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

7 3 When may a person involved in a car accident be entitled under New York State law to compensation for pain, suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life? The certain criteria allowing an injury victim to receive pain & suffering money is called the SERIOUS INJURY threshold. In order to meet the SERIOUS INJURY threshold, the injured person has to show one of the following: A personal injury that results in death; Dismemberment; A significant disfigurement; A fracture; The loss of a fetus; Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system; Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member; Significant limitation of use of a body function or system; or A medically determined injury or impairment of a non- permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days during the one hundred eighty days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment Without proving SERIOUS INJURY you will not be entitled for compensation for pain and suffering (also referred to as non-economic damages). 4 What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident? The old expression, if you snooze you lose is timeless. Proactivity after an accident is rewarded in the long run. Those people who decide to adopt a wait and see attitude rarely have the best outcome in a claim for personal injuries. FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 7

8 The following are the best Action Steps that should be taken after accident: If you are physically able, call 911 from the scene. The investigating police officer will document the accident, review the scene, and hopefully speak with witnesses. Get the contact information from any witnesses. If you are physically able take photographs of the accident scene, and all cars involved in the accident. Most phones have a camera, if your phone doesn t have a camera, you should keep a disposable camera in the glove box. Professional drivers always keep cameras in their vehicles. If paramedics arrive on the scene, let them evaluate you. If you feel that you are injured at the scene, allow the paramedics to take you to the hospital. If you choose not to be transported by EMS, go to the hospital or doctor within 24 hours. Report the accident to your insurance company. Follow your doctor s advice and treatment schedule. Do not withhold information regarding prior accidents or injuries. Insurance companies have the ability to find out if you have been in another accident. Generally patients feel rushed when they go to the doctor. It is best to make a list of your symptoms, complaints and questions for the doctor before you arrive for your appointment. If your problems are not documented in the doctor s record, it will be difficult to prove that you were injured in the accident. There is nothing worse for a case than a note from a family doctor one week after the accident that has no mention of the accident or injuries. If you are not able to work because of the injury, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. If you are not able to work, make sure the doctor supports your decision. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney even if you don t think you want to pursue a case. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation. All conversations with the attorney are protected by the attorney-client privilege even if you don t hire the attorney. Be honest with your lawyer, it is much better to learn of a weakness in a case in the beginning as compared to the middle of trial. Direct all insurance company calls to your attorney. Keep a calendar or diary of the dates of your medical treatment so you can provide this information to your attorney. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

9 5 What Should You Never Do After a Car Accident? The following are Seven Things You Should Never do Following an Accident 1. GIVE a recorded statement to the other party s insurance company. The insurance adjuster is not your friend and they do not have your best interest at heart. 2. SIGN any insurance company papers, medical releases or documents without first speaking to an attorney. If you sign the wrong paper, you may sign away your right to make a claim for injuries. 3. Exaggerate or minimize your symptoms, complaints or injuries to your doctor. 4. STOP your medical treatment too soon or against advice. 5. HIDE information from your attorney. All discussions are protected under the attorney-client privilege and the attorney needs to know any problems at the outset of the case so they can be handled. 6. TALK to your doctor about what your lawyer said. As an example, if your lawyer recommends that you see a certain doctor or you may have a certain medical condition, do not share that information with your doctor because it will waive the attorney-client privilege. As a recent example, we had a client who refused to listen to advice, and he went into his doctor s office and repeated things that we told him about the liability issues in his case to the doctor. This information ended up in the medical record and before the jury. 7. POST anything about your accident or injuries on any social media site. Even the most generic post like that guy who hit me was jerk can hurt your claim. FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 9

10 6 New York Auto Law is Complex How Does It Impact My Injury Claim? People injured in automobile accidents have questions regarding the law and their person injury claim. The most common questions are: 1. Who will pay for my medical bills? 2. The doctor wants me to take some time off of work, how will I get paid? 3. How do I get compensated for my personal injuries? 4. What are the elements of damages? What harms & losses that an injured person is entitled to in an accident case? 5. What are the elements of damages that a decedent s Personal Representative can receive when a person has died because of someone else s negligence? 6. Will I be able to recover money for my injuries if I was partially at fault for the accident? 7. How long do I have to make a claim for personal injury damages in New York State? 1. Who will pay for my medical expenses? New York is a no-fault state. The law requires all motor vehicle owners in New York to carry no-fault/ personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The minimum PIP coverage is $50, % of your medical bills will be paid by your insurance company under your PIP coverage. The at-fault driver s insurance company will be responsible for unreimbursed medical expenses including the 20% not paid by PIP and any charges over $50,000. In addition, PIP pays increased household expenses ($25/day for 3 years following the accident), and a $2,000 death benefit in addition to the basic $50,000 PIP benefit. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

11 2. The doctor wants me to take some time off of work, how will I get paid? Personal Injury Protection insurance pays 80% of your lost wages. The 80% of lost wages is paid up to a maximum of $2,000/month for 3 years. The remainder of your lost income is an element of compensation that an injured party is entitled to receive from an at-fault driver at the time of settlement or jury verdict. If you have sick days at work or short term disability, you may also need to apply for these benefits. 3. How do I get compensated for my personal injuries? Your attorney will seek compensation for your injuries from the other driver s insurance company. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your attorney will be able to seek compensation from your insurance company if you purchased uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. The compensation you receive will depend on the facts of the accident, the nature and extent of your injuries, and whether your injuries are permanent. 4. For what sort of things can an injured person receive money? In legalese a person can receive money for their damages. The claimant has the burden of proving their damages by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). The following damages will be considered by an insurance adjuster or jury when considering the value of the case or a damage award: Past Healthcare Expenses Future Healthcare Expenses Past Lost Wages Future Loss of Earning Capacity Pain & Suffering Damages which are intangible and consist of physical and mental pain and suffering, humiliation, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life 5. What are the elements of damages that a decedent s Personal Representative can receive when a person has died because of someone else s negligence? A wrongful death action is governed under The Estate Powers and Trust Law (EPTL), Article 5, Part 4, EPTL , this is New York s wrongful death FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 11

12 statute. The law provides that the personal representative of the estate has the right to sue for money loss on behalf of the distributees. The amount of damages are determined by the court. It must determine what is to be fair and just compensation for money loss injuries resulting from the death. It also allows for reasonable expenses for medical care, nursing, and funeral expenses, in addition to every other lawful element. Punitive damages, are also allowed, which are intended to punish the wrongdoer (defendant) in cases of recklessness or depravity. New York State courts have expanded the narrow language of the EPTL (The Estate Powers and Trust Law) to also include: Reasonable benefits that they had a right to expect if the decedent had lived, including loss of support, voluntary assistance, and any possible inheritance. Taking into consideration the decedent s working habits, her job and her income at the time of death, the likelihood of further advancement and increased earnings capacity (Matter of Reynolds, Surrogate Court of Erie County, 1952). Taking into account the age and the life expectancy of the decedent and the distributees she was supporting (Brown v. Horn, 1992; Tenczar v. Milligan, 1975). If the distributees are minor children, damages must also include loss of a parent s nurture, intellectual and physical training and such instruction as only can proceed from a parent (Tilley v. Hudson Railroad Co., 1862). A Survivor s damages can include the following: Loss of support and services Loss of the decedent s companionship Mental pain and suffering Lost parental companionship, instruction and guidance Medical and funeral expenses that may have been paid by the survivor The Estate s damages may include the following: Loss net accumulations Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

13 Decedent s lost earnings Decedent s medical and funeral expenses 6. Will I be able to recover money for my injuries if I was partially at fault for the accident? Yes. New York is a pure comparative fault jurisdiction. A jury will assign a percentage of fault to each and every person or entity involved in the accident. Any damage award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if a jury awards you $100,000 and finds you 50% at fault, your net recovery will be $50, How long do I have to make a claim for personal injury damages in New York State? In New York, the Statute of Limitations for car and truck accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this statute. For minors (children under the age of 18), the statute doesn t even begin to run until they reach 18. For example, a 15 year old would have 6 years to bring a lawsuit. 7 What Are The Steps Involved in a Personal Injury Case? I will summarize the basic steps for most personal injury cases, especially those involving serious injury. The process of a personal injury case can be lengthy with many important decisions along the way. Initially we have to determine if the Client actually has a case, and if they have a case, we have to determine if the other party is collectible. Having a case also means do they have injuries that are considered SERIOUS under the New York State meaning of threshold. In order to receive compensation, the injured person has the burden of proof. For purposes of this discussion, in all personal injuries we have to determine whether there is (1) liability or negligence; and (2) damages (injuries). FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 13

14 I. Determining Liability: The first question that has to be answered is who caused the accident? Stated another way, are we able to prove liability against the other party. It is important that an investigation starts immediately after the lawyer is retained because as time goes on evidence is destroyed, altered or disappears. A common story that I hear from clients when they come into the office is this: We don t have to worry about liability because the other driver admitted he was at fault and was sorry. I try to explain to them that many times the at-fault driver s story will change between the time of the accident and the time they discuss the matter with their insurance company. It doesn t mean that the other driver is lying, most of the time people just rationalize events. Next, the client says that the other driver received a ticket so that establishes liability. I have to explain to them that a jury will not learn that the driver was ticketed for the accident. Because of these issues, it is important that the accident is investigated ASAP. Areas of Liability Investigation 1. Vehicles: The cars will have to be inspected. The investigator will take photos of the inside and outside. Additionally, certain measurements may have to be taken, such as the amount of crush the vehicle received during the impact. In some cases we will need to obtain the EDR or black box. If we believe that liability is going to be an issue or if the damages are severe, we may also hire an accident reconstructionist or engineer to review the vehicles, scene and reconstruct the event. Once the car is fixed or totaled, this information is lost forever. 2. Accident Scene: We gather the crash report, and visit the scene in person in order to photograph, inspect, measure skid marks, and look for other factors such as bushes or trees or anything else that could have contributed to the accident. It is important to do this ASAP because the height of corn, trees and shrubs change or skid marks could wash way. 3. Witnesses: If there are witnesses to the accident, we will need to interview them so we can document what they observed at the time of the crash. As time goes on people move and people forget specifics regarding events. 4. Insurance: We need to determine if there are any insurance policies available to compensate the client for their injuries. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

15 The most important first step in dealing with a New York accident case is determining liability because a client s recovery is dependent on liability. If an insurance adjuster or jury determines that the injured party is at fault for the accident, the amount of recovery will be reduced by that percentage of fault. II. Damages (injuries): The next area of investigation is the nature and extent of the client s injuries (harms & losses). Areas of Damages Investigation 1. Claim Search: We will order an ISO claim search, which is one of the claims searches performed by insurance companies. This will give us an idea if the injured person has any past auto or worker s compensation claims that have been reported by insurance carriers. 2. Medical Documentation: We will obtain all medical documentation related to the accident including EMS reports, hospital records and medical records. We also need to obtain past medical records if there have been prior accidents, injuries or illness to the areas of the body injured in the accident. 3. Medical Bills: We will gather all medical bills related to the injury. 4. Employment Records/School: If the client lost time from work or school, we will obtain these records. 5. Lay Damage Witnesses: Lay damage witnesses are a very important part of proving a client s damages. If there are friends or acquaintances with whom the client has contact, and these people are able to describe the changes in the client after the accident, this testimony tends to help juror s determine proper damage awards. Demand Package Once we have completed our liability and damage investigation and the client has reached a point of maximum medical improvement, we will submit a demand package to the insurance company. The demand package is a compilation of our liability and damage determination. It consists of a letter from the attorney setting out the client s position regarding liability and damages. A number of insurance companies use claims management software to arrive at a value for the claim. Your attorney must know the insurance FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 15

16 companies that use this software and the specific data points to send the company so the injured person gets a fair shake. Negotiation The insurance company is usually given 30 days to review the information in the demand package. Once the demand package is reviewed, the insurance adjuster will make an offer in response to the demand. Sometimes the offer will be the entire policy limits of the at-fault driver s insurance policy. The amount of the offer depends on the facts of the accident and the nature and extent of the client s injuries. Once an offer is received by the insurance company the negotiation process begins. The attorney will consult with the client to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the case and the best way to proceed. The final decision of whether to settle the case is ALWAYS THE CLIENT S DECISION. The attorney will make recommendations based on his/her experience but the decision is the client s. If an offer is fair, there are numerous advantages to settling a case without going to trial. Below is a list of settlement advantages. Advantages of Settlement Before Filing a Lawsuit Attorneys fees and costs are lower Money is obtained immediately The client can avoid the stress of a prolonged lawsuit The client is in charge of the settlement not six strangers in a jury box Life goes on as planned The outcome is guaranteed Lawsuit If the parties are unable to negotiate an agreement and the insurance company s highest offer is rejected by the client, the next step is to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit begins by the filing of a complaint. Most of the time, the complaint is filed in the county of the accident. For instance, if the accident occurred in the Ithaca, which is in Tompkins County, we will file the complaint in Tompkins County Court located in Ithaca. Once the complaint is filed, the clerk s office will assign the case to a judge. We will then serve the complaint on the defendant(s) (the people legally at fault for the accident and injuries). In New York, more than one person can be held legally responsible, such as the driver and owner of a vehicle. Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

17 Once the lawsuit is filed and the defendant(s) are served with the summons and complaint, and the insurance company will hire an attorney to represent the defendant(s). Many of the large automobile insurance companies including State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, Progress, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual have in house attorneys that will represent the company s insured. The defendant(s) will answer the complaint and the litigation process begins. Once a lawsuit is filed, much more is expected out of the client. In order to for the case to be successful, the client must be willing and able to actively participate in the litigation process. The following are phases occur in a lawsuit between the answer and jury trial: I. Case Management Conference: Following a case management conference, the court will set deadlines for discovery, mediation and motions. Additionally, the court will set the case for trial. II. Discovery: This is period of time where the parties exchange information. Written discovery includes interrogatories, request for admissions and request for production of documents. Additionally, the parties will subpoena records from healthcare providers or any other persons who have information relevant to the proceedings. Oral discovery consists primarily of depositions. Depositions are statements under oath that are taken under oath before a court reporter. The parties can take the deposition of all persons who have knowledge regarding liability and damages. III. Mediation: This is a confidential settlement conference between the parties and a non-interested third party who tries to help negotiate a resolution to the case. All trial judges will refer the case to mediation. This is usually the last chance to settle a case before trial. Things that are discussed during mediation are confidential and cannot be used at trial. If a settlement is reached at mediation, the insurance company will issue a check within 20 days. IV. Trial: There are two types of trials. (1) A bench trial, in which the judge hears the entire case and rules on the law and the facts. (2) A jury trial in which six members of the community will decide the case. Depending on the complexity of the case, the trial can last from a few days to weeks. A trial can cost between $ 25,000 and $ 100,000 to present. There is no way to predict what a jury will decide. Attorneys and insurance companies use their past experience FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 17

18 and information gleamed from other juries who decided similar issues to make an educated guess regarding the outcome of the case. This is another reason you need to retain an experienced trial attorney. V. Post-Trial: A verdict following a trial is not necessarily the end of the line. For many cases, it is the beginning of a whole new round of litigation. If a party believes the court committed error during the trial, they can file a motion for a new trial or an appeal. Appeals can take years to resolve. If the Appellate Court decides there was reversible error committed during trial, it can remand the case back to the trial court for a new trial. The length and expense associated with the litigation process, the fact that nobody can foretell what a jury will do with a case, and the fact that jury verdicts can be overturned on appeal are some of the reasons that parties will attempt to compromise and settle a case short of trial. If you have any questions about your New York truck, van, or bus accident case give us a call at or go to our main website Copyright 2012 Lawrence Newman & Guy DiMartino

19 Our Disclaimer: Our website, blog, videos, and articles are filled with lots of useful information about New York Personal Injury, trial procedures, rules of evidence, the Court process, hearings, motions, and case results. Obviously, the fact that someone achieved a particular result in the past in THEIR case does not mean that YOU will achieve that same result in your case. Each and Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. Indeed the "very same" case in one town or county may result in a very different outcome in another town or another county. We don't win all our cases. No one wins all of their cases. We encourage all our web visitors to consult with other experienced and knowledgeable attorneys in their area to talk about their case. We also encourage everyone to visit our website and to download our free books. Law Offices of Lawrence Newman FAQ ABOUT NEW YORK STATE CAR ACCIDENTS 19

New York Car Accident Lawyers What you need to know when you are hurt in a car accident An ebook by Stuart DiMartini, Esq. 1325 Sixth Avenue, 27 th Floor New York, NY 10019 212-5181532 dimartinilaw.com

Consumer Awareness How to Keep From Getting Ripped Off by Big Insurance Provided as an educational service by: Anthony D. Castelli, Esq. Concentration in Auto and Work Related Injuries (513) 621-2345 ATTENTION!!!

Do You Have a Case? Truck Accident ebooklet Andrew Miller 201 South 3rd Street Logansport, IN 46947 P: (574) 722-6676 www.starrausten.com Disclaimer No attempt is made to establish an attorney-client relationship

THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOUR CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER? Introduction After six straight years of decline, the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that auto accidents, injuries

rightlawyers.com RIGHT Lawyers Right Lawyers has successfully represented numerous clients in the areas of car accidents, work injuries, and slip and falls. The goal of this guide is to provide you answers

Table of Contents 1. What should I do when the other driver s insurance company contacts me?... 1 2. Who should be paying my medical bills from a car accident injury?... 2 3. What should I do after the

Call Us Now (813) 269-7421 FREE Consultation Your Quick Reference for Florida Auto Accident Law At the Law Offices of Martin Schwartz, we are here to take care of your legal needs in the aftermath of an

The Schlitt Law Firm A Consumer Guide to New York No-Fault Auto Insurance The Schlitt Law Firm 79 Wall Street, Huntington, NY 11743 www.schlittlaw.com 631.425.9775 A Consumer Guide An Explanation of New

FREE SPECIAL REPORT WANT TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY? WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY HAVE TO KNOW WHEN BUYING CAR INSURANCE. Keep reading to learn What are your chances of having an accident in Kentucky with

You are probably reading this guide because you were recently in an automobile accident. Now you are faced with some difficulties. The tasks of managing your care and your insurance claim can be confusing

No-Fault Automobile Insurance By Margaret C. Jasper, Esq. Prior to the enactment of state no-fault insurance legislation, recovery for personal injuries sustained in an automobile accident were subject

3 TRAPS THAT INSURANCE ADJUSTORS WILL SET FOR YOU.. BUT READ THIS FIRST (AND CAREFULLY): You may be like many people who are in car accidents who want to try and handle your insurance claim on your own.

THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT COMPANION ACCIDENTS HAPPEN What Should You Do When They Happen To You? SPONSORED BY THE Hunt Law Firm 337-310-9111 www.huntlawfirm.com KEEP THIS GUIDE IN YOUR GLOVE COMPARTMENT AT

Common Myths About Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases 1 By B. Keith Williams There are several myths about accident cases and the attorneys that handle them. It is important to keep these myths in

Prepared by: Barton L. Slavin, Esq. 1. Identify Insurance Company - On the Police Report there is a three digit code that identifies the insurance company for a vehicle. The following link will take you

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A FLORIDA CAR ACCIDENT? This free EBook provides answers to car accident victims most frequently asked questions. This EBook does not provide actual legal advice, as every accident and

Is What You Know About Injury Claims Accurate? Presented by: Attorney Mark L. Krueger www.kh-law.net IS WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT INJURY CLAIMS ACCURATE? Misconception No. 1 I have no claim if the responsible

WHAT IS THE LAW SURROUNDING CAR ACCIDENTS? How Does The Law Determine Who s At Fault? When determining fault, there is no one answer that covers all scenarios. Accidents produce and are produced by many

Have you or someone you know suffered a personal injury? TIPS TO MAXIMIZE COMPENSATION If you have suffered a personal injury it is important to consider all potential sources of compensation. A personal

Auto 1. What s the difference between Limited Tort and Full Tort Auto Insurance Policies? Limited Tort and Full Tort refer to different types of coverage under a auto insurance policy and what compensation

AUTO ACCIDENTS & PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR HANDLING A VEHICLE PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM WITHOUT HIRING AN ATTORNEY. Not every car wreck results in an injury. In cases where an accident

Information for Worker s Compensation Clients Overview of the Worker s Compensation Act Indiana Worker s Compensation cases are governed by a State law known as the Worker s Compensation Act. The legislature

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM A LET US EMPOWER YOU This brochure will empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to complete your own property damage claim. One of the biggest inconveniences

If you have been in an automobile accident that is not your fault and your vehicle is damaged, you do have certain rights. If total property damage from the wreck to all damages appears to be over $1,000.00,

Car, Truck or Motorcycle Damage in Georgia How to Start Your Car, Truck or Motorcycle Damage Claim; Your Property Damage Claim We recommend consulting with an attorney before making contact with any insurance

Cycling and the Law: Know your Rights! Patrick Brown Rights of The Injured Cyclist When a cyclist is struck by a car or truck, the injuries to the cyclist can be significant. It can have a dramatic impact

This pamphlet is published by The Florida Bar Information and Bar Services Department as a public service. Single copies of this pamphlet and others are free upon request by sending a self-addressed, legal

How recent changes in the law will affect you. Know YOUR Rights. Auto Accident Basics. IN THIS ISSUE Working with an Adjuster: What NOT to sign. Page 3 Medical Expenses: How will my initial medical expenses

Settling Your Injury Case... Without a Lawyer How to maximize the value of your claim under $10,000 The information provided in this report is for informational purposes only. Shulman DuBois LLC does not

7 DEADLY SINS TO AVOID IN YOUR ACCIDENT CASE 1. Providing Statements - at the scene of the accident or insurance adjusters soon after. You are under no obligation to make a statement to the police or to

XARELTO: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT 1 Surgeries to replace knees and hips are commonplace in today s hospitals. Xarelto is a drug prescribed by doctors to prevent blood clots after those surgeries.

HOW MUCH MONEY IS MY SLIP AND FALL CASE WORTH? Knowledge of the Value of Your Claim Can Help You to Determine If a Settlement Offer Is Reasonable and Appropriate Given the Circumstances of the Fall and

Auto Insurance made simple What s included: How to read your Allstate Auto Policy Declarations Understanding auto insurance: Coverages Deductibles Coverage limits What to do in case of an accident Frequently

This brochure was prepared by the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ) as a guide to help the citizens of Washington State understand their rights. Established in 1953, WSAJ represents attorneys

TEXAS AUTO ACCIDENTS Auto accidents can cause thousands or even millions of dollars in losses due to medical expenditures, an inability to work, a reduction in future earnings, or the untimely death of

ZOFRAN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT 1 When people seek relief from nausea, they might eat a few crackers, drink ginger ale, or take an over-the-counter medication like Pepto-Bismol. But, when the nausea

Changing Tort Reform In Kentucky Christel Siglock By changing its current No-Fault and Tort law options, Kentucky could; 1) Reduce the number of lawsuits filed, 2) Thus reducing insurance company payouts

MICHIGAN NO-FAULT LAW Your Questions Answered HALPERT, WESTON, WUORI & SAWUSCH, P.C. TRIAL ATTORNEYS 2010 1-800-400-9115 www.leadersinlaw.com Are you all right? While this may be the most important question

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE AN AUTO ACCIDENT? 1. If I have an auto accident, do I have to stop? 2. What should I do if someone is injured? 3. How can I get help? 4. What information should I gather at the

STEPS IN A LOUISIANA PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT Having at least a basic understanding of the most common steps involved in a typical personal injury case may help empower you as a victim. Broussard & Hart,

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION AND HELP This Buyer's Guide is intended to provide general information to help you make coverage choices. It is not a substitute for the policy language, which governs. Additional

Table of Contents Introduction 3 Why Not Settle With the Insurance Companies 4 What to do First 7 Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer 11 How Much is My Claim Worth? 14 What if I have a Pre-Existing Condition?

Your Personal Guide To Your Personal Injury Lawsuit Know How To Do Things Right When You ve Been Wronged You have questions. And most likely, you have a lot of them. The good news is that this is completely

Law Y o u r Rights After A Serious Car Accident Provided as a public service by: Serving Virginia & West Virginia Page 1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this booklet is to provide basic information to help

BICYCLE ACCIDENTS If you have been seriously injured when bicycling, please call me for a consultation. Bicycling is an enjoyable hobby. Many people also ride their bicycles to work. However, it should

SMALL CLAIMS COURT What Is Small Claims Court? Nebraska law requires that every county court in the state have a division known as Small Claims Court (Nebraska Revised Statute 25-2801). Small Claims Court

Chapter 4 Crimes (Review) On a separate sheet of paper, write down the answer to the following Q s; if you do not know the answer, write down the Q. 1. What is a crime? 2. There are elements of a crime.

Personal Injury Personal injury accidents happen all the time. From sidewalk cracks to car accidents, when people are injured, the question of who is legally and financially responsible is inevitably asked.

VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- 2015 SESSION CHAPTER 585 An Act to amend and reenact 38.2-2206 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01 a

This document is made available electronically by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp.~l' ''''d:.,j i.;'~\;

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT INTRODUCTION Automobile accidents are a regrettable part of modern life. Whether you drive in a large city or a small town, sooner or later, you can expect